Upcycle A Full-Length Mirror And Climb New Heights In Chic Style

Full-length mirrors come in all shapes, sizes, and frame styles, from elaborately carved gilded models to simple lightweight, plastic-framed ones meant to be hung on your closet or bathroom door. If you have a less than inspiring one or are looking to replace a damaged frame, there are a number of ways to give your full-length mirror an easy style upgrade on the cheap. In an Instagram post, clever DIYer @redeux_style shows off how to make a simple ladder mirror using a mirror panel, sturdy adhesive, and old ladder. The result is a stylishly and multi-purpose item that can seamlessly blend in with plenty of different styles of décor.

This unique ladder mirror is perfect for leaning against the wall in a rustic or cottage style space, but it could also be mounted directly on a wall or door if you're trying to maximize your floor space. Inexpensive full-length mirrors available from discount stores and thrift stores work perfectly for this project. You may even have something similar laying around your home. This is also a great project to repurpose a ladder you already have or have recently picked up at a thrift store. If you cannot find one, you can also build a simple ladder out of wooden pieces and dowels using wood glue to stick them together.

To prepare your mirrored panel, just remove the glass portion carefully from the frame. You may need a box cutter or a staple remover to help you remove any backing materials. Discard the original frame, or, as @redeux_style does, upcycle it for other projects. After the glass panel is free, use a strong adhesive like E-6000, Gorilla Glue, or glue designed specifically for mirrors to affix the mirror to the rungs of the ladder. Allow the ladder and mirror to dry overnight. You can also use several smaller mirror panels and allow the rungs to show through between them.

Once everything is cured, you can paint the ladder your color of choice or leave it with a natural finish. For rustic or cottage-style spaces, try a weathered and distressed treatment, or, for a more modern look, paint it gold, silver, or matte black. Leave the wood natural for a more boho or Scandinavian-style look. Another great styling idea to decorate with mirrors includes wrapping greenery or string lights around the ladder to add a cozy feel and some subtle accent lighting to your space. With proper positioning, you can even use mirrors to make a small space look bigger, making this a perfect decorative addition if you're trying to make a tiny room feel less cramped.